PARSIPPANY — A message from Sam Yodice, Sam Yodice, Executive Director, Parsippany Police Athletic League:

After significant thought and consideration regarding the COVID-19 situation, I am writing with an update as to the precautionary steps the PAL is taking for the safety and well-being of our program participants, families and staff. PAL scheduled activities for this weekend would have brought the volume of residents well over 700 people on Saturday, March 14, with that volume would come an inability to properly disinfect the building throughout the day. Therefore, we have made the decision that ALL games/activities, day/night events from March 12 through March 15 will be been postponed or canceled. The PAL will revisit this closure on Monday, March 16; at that point, we will make a decision on activities on a week to week basis.

PARSIPPANY — Miracles USA Taekwondo celebrates the achievements of its elite competition team at the 2020 US Open International Taekwondo Championships held at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL from February 27 to March 1.  The competition team earned a total of nine medals in a variety of Taekwondo disciplines.

The following athletes were awarded medals:

Isaiah Gonsalves – World Class Freestyle Division – Individual
Magda Greco – World Class Freestyle Division – Individual

Bronze Medals
Lucas Jong, Lou-Fei Sung, Connie Lee – World Class Junior Division Poomsae – Team
Philip Jong, Joshua Lee, Jaden Mach – World Class Cadet Division Poomsae – Team

Joshua Aguirre – Dragon Division Poomsae – Individual

Miracles USA Taekwondo also thanks Master Kim’s Taekwondo Institute of Rochester, NY, and KIMA of Hershey, PA, for their collaboration with our Miracles team. Congratulations to their athletes for their medal-winning Poomsae performances with our team.

The Miracles USA Taekwondo competition team is now looking forward to participating in the 2020 USA Taekwondo National Championships.

Miracles USA Taekwondo is located at Parsippany Shopping Plaza, 374 Route 46, Parsippany.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders is closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and has authorized county funding for needs related to this issue.  Morris County will employ an epidemiologist and a public health nurse, allowing for a more rapid response to local issues that arise in conjunction with coronavirus.

The Morris County Office of Emergency Management and Office of Health Management are coordinating regularly with officials in all 39 Morris County towns, school districts, and major healthcare providers.

“Morris County has proven time and time again that when the challenges are the greatest, it is the bond that we have fostered with our local governing bodies that will make us successful,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

Officials across the county are working in concert with the state Department of Health and federal agencies to ensure they have the latest information to best deal with the virus. In particular, county officials are working closely with Atlantic Health and Saint Clare’s Health.

Connections have also been made with the large network of nonprofits that serve Morris County.  It is vital that these providers are able to continue to provide the diverse and often essential support to the community.

“County residents should be assured that we are taking all necessary steps to be prepared to deal with this virus,’’ said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo. “Significant coordination has occurred and will continue to occur so that resources may be shared in the most effective way.’’

• Morris County is working with health and medical professionals to take extra precautions at county government facilities, including the Correctional Facility, Juvenile Detention Center, Youth Shelter, and 9-1-1 Communications Center;
• The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with the Morris County OEM to support all operational activities.
• The Morris County Communications (9-1-1) Center has implemented call screening tools for emergency medical calls to identify potential COVID-19 cases at the time of dispatch, so first responders can be aware of relevant information and take appropriate precautions;
• Morris County OEM’s Mobile Ambulance Bus will have added equipment on board capable of assessing large numbers of patients in connection with COVID-19, if needed.
• County OEM is encouraging EMS responders, physicians, and healthcare facilities operators to make early notifications to hospitals, allowing hospitals to be prepared for patient admission prior to arrival.

The following are tips provided by the Morris County Office of Health Management (consistent with CDC recommendations) to protect yourself and others from respiratory infections, including the coronavirus (COVID-19):

• Stay home if you are sick;
• Limit close contact with people who are sick;
• Put distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Avoid handshakes. Try an elbow bump;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol;
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as door handles and cellphones;
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands);
• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season.

Residents are asked to avoid rumors and some less-than-accurate reports about this virus. Keep informed by obtaining information from trusted and reliable sources, including the CDC, NJDOH, and their local health departments:

Click here for CDC’s COVID-19 website.

Click here for N.J. Department of Health COVID-19 website:

NJ COVID-19 Information Public Call Center: 1-800-222-1222.

For your local health department, see the Morris County Office of Health Management click here.

PARSIPPANY — Registration is now open for the spring season of Girls on the Run in Parsippany.

Girls in third through eighth grade are welcome to join this empowering youth program that uses running to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence.

Girls meet twice weekly for ten weeks with trained, volunteer coaches who provide engaging lessons on teamwork and joyful movement, leading up to a celebratory 5K in June.

GOTR is a nonprofit organization with locations across Union County. Please visit Girls on the Run NJ by clicking here to register. Interested in coaching? Contact program director Anne Klein at anne@girlsontherunnj.org.

Celebrating 20 years of inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy and confident!

PARSIPPANY — Meet Lily! This gorgeous cowgirl is ready to find her forever home after birthing and weaning her pups!

Lily was rescued from a local, municipal shelter where she came in in very, very bad shape. Lily was part of a neglect case and they soon realized she was pregnant and reached out to us.

While Lily clearly had a hard life before coming to us, she could not be sweeter or friendlier with her family if she tried! Lily loves to cuddle, lay on your lap, and be a couch potato!

Lily definitely enjoys a walk and a romp in the yard, but she is not a high energy pup despite her being so young. Lily is potty-trained and walks well on leash. She would prefer a home with someone who is home more often than not because she loves being with people.

Due to her past, Lily has a hard time trusting strangers. She absolutely loves her family but will need people to understand her limitations with strangers. Lily can live with other dogs and children 16+!

If you’re looking for a dog who wants to give you all the love in the world and more, apply to adopt Lily today!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — After the General Business meeting on Monday, February 24, club members and guests were fascinated by the speaker of the evening. Randy Tortorello from the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society provided a very interesting talk about the history of our town, the families and historic houses in the area.

He shared relics that have been excavated in the town – one was an arrowhead from a local Indian tribe. He was extremely knowledgeable and very entertaining.

Club members asked lots of questions and would love to invite Randy back again. In appreciation, the club made a generous donation to the Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society.

Click here to learn more about our town’s history and/or the Parsippany Historical Society.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of NJSFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.  General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month from September to April at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery, 100 Centerton Drive.

For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, click here or follow the club on FACEBOOK.

PARSIPPANY — Following New Jersey’s declaration of a state of emergency in response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) issued the statement below:

“The announcement of New Jersey’s state of emergency declaration reflects the serious public health risk that coronavirus presents to our communities,” said Representative Sherrill. “It’s critical that we listen to medical and public health officials for the most accurate and up-to-date information. My office remains in close contact with local officials and healthcare providers, as well as the Governor’s Office and Centers for Disease Control. I am working closely with the New Jersey delegation in Congress to ensure that our state is able to secure any additional resources needed. We have some of the best medical centers and life science professionals in the country, and I will continue to support their efforts in every way I can.”

Last week, Representative Sherrill helped pass the bipartisan emergency supplemental funding package to respond to COVID-19. She convened a call with leaders from major hospital systems and primary care providers in the 11th Congressional District and a call with public health and office of emergency management officials from Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties to hear from them on COVID-19 preparations.

In addition, Representative Sherrill is hosting information from the Centers for Disease Control on her website for residents to get the most up-to-date information.

Residents who have questions or concerns should call New Jersey’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out-of-state phone line.

Additional resources are below:

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.

The New Jersey Department of Health provides updates on the disease’s spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.

The U.S. State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.

MORRIS COUNTY — The presidents of County College (CCM) of Morris and Stockton University today signed a dual admission and transfer partnership agreement that will help students make a smooth transition from the two-year college to Stockton’s bachelor’s degree program.

The Transfer Pathways agreement strengthens the relationship between Stockton and CCM by offering multiple opportunities for students to affordably pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees at the two institutions of higher education.

“We’re pleased to be offering this first-of-a-kind transfer agreement for our students to continue their higher education at Stockton University,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “Under this agreement, students from their first semester at CCM will be simultaneously enrolled at Stockton to provide a seamless pathway for earning their bachelor’s degree. The agreement further includes a dedicated scholarship program for CCM graduates to continue their education at Stockton. We’re proud to be further enhancing our relationship with such a great institution for the benefit of our students.”

Stockton President Harvey Kesselman said he is excited to provide Morris County students a new opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and take advantage of Stockton resources while at the community college.

“This agreement will help support students as they begin their degree at County College of Morris, and also provides the assurance that they can have a smooth pathway to a bachelor’s degree at Stockton,” Kesselman said. “We look forward to participating in their success.”

The terms of the agreement include:

• Students who are denied direct admission to Stockton as a freshman applicant can receive conditional dual admission in partnership with CCM.
• Students will attend classes at CCM but will also have access to campus activities and student groups at Stockton using a special Stockton Identification Card from Stockton’s Transfer Pathways program. Students are also eligible to apply for housing on Stockton’s campus, space permitting.
• Students already enrolled at CCM can apply for conditional acceptance to Stockton while working towards their associate degree, and be assured of acceptance prior to the term in which they are ready to transfer.
• Students who successfully complete their associate degree at CCM can automatically transfer to Stockton with junior standing. Application fees to Stockton will be waived for eligible students.
• Students who complete at least 36 credits at CCM and a total of 64 credits between the county college and the four-year institution are eligible to receive a retroactive associate degree from CCM. Stockton and CCM will co-host “reverse transfer” information sessions for students.
• Stockton and CCM will develop specific program-to-program articulation agreements for high-demand majors to facilitate the quality and ease of transfer.
• Students will receive joint advising from Stockton and CCM and a Stockton advisor will have office space and a regular schedule at CCM.
• Students will be eligible for financial aid from whichever institution they are attending.
• Stockton will provide five one-year scholarships of $2,000 per year to CCM graduates whose admission to Stockton is covered by the agreement.
• Stockton and CCM will establish an advisory committee to ensure best practices in recruitment, enrollment management, academic and student services, information technology, marketing and facilities use.

With this agreement, half of the 18 community colleges in the state are participating in the Transfer Pathways program. Other participating community colleges are Atlantic Cape Community College, Brookdale Community College, Camden County College, Rowan College of South Jersey, Mercer County Community College, Ocean County College, Rowan College at Burlington County and Salem Community College and is pursuing additional partnerships with other community colleges in the state.

To view photos of the ceremony click here.